Loved ones are mourning a Southern California father who was struck and killed while saving his family from an out-of-control vehicle.
On Oct. 25, Adam Bouvet, 50, traveled with his wife, Tracy, and his daughter to Dallas, Texas to visit his eldest daughter and grandson.
They had all just enjoyed lunch together and were walking back home when a driver suddenly lost control of their vehicle, drove over the curb and crashed into the Bouvet family.
Loved ones said Adam pushed his family out of the way and took the brunt of the impact.
“Tracy is 100 percent sure that Adam saved her life,” said Brad Neet, a close friend. “He died a hero.”
Adam was left with a traumatic brain injury and rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. After spending days in the ICU, he later died from his injuries. His wife suffered minor injuries and his two daughters and grandchild were unharmed.
Adam Bouvet and his wife, Tracy Bouvet, are seen in a family photo. Adam Bouvet, 50, is seen in a family photo. Adam Bouvet is pictured with his restaurant team members. (Bouvet Family) Friends, family and community members gathered at The Mill Restaurant in Murrieta to honor Adam Bouvet. (KTLA) Adam Bouvet co-owned The Mill Restaurant in Murrieta for 17 years. (KTLA) Ribbons were placed around the parking lot outside The Mill Restaurant to honor Adam Bouvet. (KTLA) Adam Bouvet is seen with his wife and loved ones. (Bouvet Family) Adam Bouvet co-owned The Mill Restaurant in Murrieta for 17 years. (KTLA)
Adam co-owned The Mill Restaurant, a popular spot in Murrieta, for the last 17 years. His beloved restaurant was a second home to him and he was well-known within the local community.
His sudden death has left loved ones in shock. A large collection of flowers, cards and mementos were left outside The Mill to honor him.
Friends, family, and long-time customers who knew Adam remembered him as a kind and funny man with a generous heart.
“You walk into The Mill and you just expect him to still be there,” said Neet. “There’s a huge hole in my heart. But not only in my heart, but also the community’s, his family and everyone that he knew and loved.”
Many local restaurants are raising funds to help the family with medical and funeral expenses.
“He was a pillar in the community so for us, there was no question in that we wouldn’t help him out,” said Danny Kessler, the owner of a local Which Wich restaurant participating in the fundraiser.
“That’s the legacy that’s he leaving behind,” Neet said. “Just being an absolutely special, phenomenal individual.”
A GoFundMe page to help the Bouvet family can be found here.